Dragon Slayer

An Ode to My Father

Courage. Boundless courage.

Danger all around — a crisis that overcomes even the bravest of men.

A soul that gave everything to war.

A physical war. A spiritual war.

A war lost.

A never-ending night.

Even the gods quiver at such darkness.

But not my father.

For integrity and perseverance are not bought — they are forged.

Forged through dark nights.

Forged through hopelessness.

Forged through tears.

One drop. Two drops. Three.

A fierceness in the face of terror.

Only won through many battles lost.

Much blood spilled.

Many wounds opened.

Scar tissue is weaker on the outside,

But it produces fortitude on the inside.

Fortitude that makes the strongest demons tremble.

Inner strength that stands against the abuser.

Compassion that lifts up the weak and the oppressed.

Great stories lift up men who slay dragons.

My father is one of them.

But he is more.

For he conquers the wicked dragons not only through strength,

But also through empathy.

For a sword can only cut so deep,

But a kind word can turn away the harshest wrath.

The long night continues to engulf the bravest of men.

But not my father.

For he fights on.

Courage. Boundless courage.